Helpful Experts

Tips & Tricks for Great Storage

Wrapping your delicate items

We'd advise again using newspaper to wrap precious items as it leaves marks on most items and can permanently stain if it is packed away for a long time.

For some padding around your precious items, try using old supermarket bags or tea towels.

Storing precious antiques

Smaller items should be wrapped first in paper and then in bubble wrap before being packed firmly into boxes. Always store standing upright and pack carefully so light items are not on the bottom of a box.

Larger items such as furniture should be emptied and then wrapped carefully in furniture pads to avoid scratching any surfaces.

Where possible, fragile items like lamps should have removable such as globes and shades taken apart with each item wrapped in bubble wrap before being boxed as a set. Always store upright. Need a box for that?

Storing electronic goods

Nothing beats the original boxing, but if you don't have them handy anymore, you should use bubble wrap and secure it firmly in a box to stop movement in transit. We’ve got bubble wrap for that!

We suggesting labelling the cords - it’ll save you a nightmare at the end when you need to plug them all back in! Key tags around each cord are really helpful.

Of course, make sure everything is clean and dry before packing away.

Storing white goods

The golden rule for white goods is ensuring everything is completely clean and dry.

Store your white goods with the door open to avoid smells and most importantly to prevent the build up of mold. Try taping an old towel in the door.

Storing items inside your white goods can likely result in damage during transit, aim to keep it completely empty.

Storing metallic goods

Use a little machine oil to wipe down cast iron and prevent rusting.

Wrap your precious silver in acid-free paper or old towels to avoid tarnishing.

Remember to store metals seperate from goods they could stain like furniture and good linens.

Storing computers

To prepare for worst case scenario, you should always keep an external back up of important information prior to storage.

Computers are sensitive to moisture and shock so pack everything carefully as per other electronics goods and remember to label your cords.

Using linen or bubble wrap at the top and bottom of your packaging will help protect it from shock.

Storing glass or breakables

Individually wrap each item with butcher’s paper or bubble wrap.

Place securely into a cardboard box - ideally a sectional Kitchen Box with other similar items.

Use bubble wrap and packing paper to fill any empty spaces and place packing at the top and bottom of the box for protection.

Mirrors and glass front pictures should be bubble wrapped and then placed in a picture box or wrapped in cardboard.

Be sure to mark boxes as fragile so you and anyone else remembers to take extra care.

Storing sharp goods

Wrap packaging paper around the blade and secure with tape. Write – SHARP – on the package!

Dampness on leather can cause mold – always cover with a furniture pad rather than plastic.

Storing batteries

Where possible, batteries should always be removed from appliances as they are prone to leaking after extended periods of time.

Store batteries in leak and acid proof containers.

Banned goods from storage

In the interest of your personal safety and the safety of our premises, the following have been banned from storage in our facilities: hazardous materials such as pool chlorine and BBQ gas bottles, explosives, illegal and stolen goods, perishable goods (including all foods/goods that attract vermin), livestock, pets and any goods that may be of harm to others .

Sketch a floor plan and label what's inside

Label all your boxes and keep a reference list of what is inside each box.

Sketch up a floor plan of where each item is so you have easy access later on. You’ll thank us for that when Christmas comes around!

If you have had to remove nuts and bolts, pop them in a snap-lock bag tape them to the item they came from.

Pack your unit from the back to the front. Odd shaped items can often sit on or under a table to keep them out of the way.

Group similar things together and store room specific items together.

Store long items vertically.

Moving Checklist

There is definitely a lot to think about when you're doing the big change of moving home. At Shenton Storage, we like to think we can help take some of the stress out of that for you.

We've prepared a handy checklist to help guide you through the process. If you're in need of some assistance with packaging, boxes, storage space or a removalist and packing service – just give our friendly staff a call on 9382 1282.

6 – 8 Weeks Before Moving

Organize your moving transport, get a couple of quotes from furniture removalists. Compare the quotes and choose the best one for your specific needs. Shenton Storage staff can recommend some great moving companies.

We can help with insurance for your goods once they are in Shenton Storage but if you need insurance for the move, organise that now.

Call Shenton Storage or drop by the office (bring your Driver’s License for photo ID) to find out what size space you will need. Check out the online Space Guide for more information.

If you require additional services like skip bins, house cleaning services, window cleaners or garden services, shop around for few quotes to get the best value offer.

Work out how you are going to move pets, valuables, vehicles, caravans, motorbikes, plants etc.

If you have items you no longer need, have a garage sale or donate the items to charity. Most charity organizations are happy to come collect larger donation items like furniture.

Change your address and contact details with your major service providers, health funds, banks, subscriptions, phones, insurance etc. Fill out a change of address form at the post office or go online to have your mail redirected.

Have all repairs to the property done and return borrowed items.

Get packing! Purchase packing materials; boxes, tape, bubble wrap, including a safe spot box for all essential items that you want to find quickly. Visit our box shop for all the essentials, we’re open 5.5 days a week, so when you run out, we’ll be right here for you!

If you are leasing the property you are in, notify the managing agent with the vacating date and arrange for a property inspection.

Insurance Options

Shenton Storage has comprehensive insurance cover for all buildings, however, your goods are not automatically insured when they are stored.

Shenton Storage offers an extremely high level of security for your goods. Due to this, our Insurance Partner - AON is happy to provide goods insurance for customers who store with Shenton Storage. This type of insurance has been specifically formulated for the needs of customers using self storage.

How do I take Insurance?

Simple. When you sign a Storage Agreement with Shenton Storage, you will be offered insurance. This is a low cost insurance policy, linked to your Storage Agreement and paid monthly with your space rental. It is simple and effective, with no fixed term and is simply renewed each month until you no longer require insurance cover. Simply read the Product Disclosure Statement and sign the policy forms provided.

What Events are covered by my Insurance?

Shenton Storage can offer cover for; fire, lightening, explosion, earthquake, wind, storm and tempest, water damage and leakage, impact by vehicles or aircraft, malicious damage, riots and civil commotions, theft (subject to forced entry when customer is not on site).

Indemnity Value Cover

Your goods will be insured for Indemnity Value. What does that mean? This is the value of the replacement cost less an assessed allowance for condition, age, wear and tear.

Do you have enough cover?

You choose the level of cover you need, but remember to declare the total market value of your goods to avoid under insuring.

Maximum Cover

The standard policy enables cover up to $50,000 per customer. If you need additional cover, this can be arranged through AON.

Policy Cover Exclusions

Certain items and events are not included in this type of policy. To understand the events excluded under the policy please read the Product Disclosure Statement.

Claim Excess

This policy is subject to a minimum excess of $100 per claim.

How to Claim

Claims must be made at the time of discovery of loss or damage. Claim forms can be collected from the Shenton Storage office, however, all negotiations are made directly with the insurance company and not with Shenton Storage staff.

Underwriters QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (ABN 78 003 191 035).

For a comprehensive explanation of the insurance please read the Product Disclosure Statement.